"He apparently does not want to defend his record in public, or be confronted with some of his votes," said Beiler.

When it comes to the issues, the two men agree on many things--including promoting a business-friendly environment and rolling back what they see as burdensome regulations.

Each said they're dedicated supporters of gun rights, but both think more should be done to promote school safety.

Beiler and Smucker also support President Donald Trump's border wall and want to see immigration law updated.

However, Beiler continues to criticize Smucker, a former state senator, for authoring a Pennsylvania version of the DREAM Act. It would have allowed undocumented immigrants to receive in-state college tuition.

In an April 2016 interview with WITF, Smucker said he views that as a conservative idea.

"There's not a dollar of state taxpayer money that is going to these kids," said Smucker. "They're earning their way through, but they should have access."

At the recent primary forum, Smucker said he got into politics because as a small business owner, he saw, "a government overreach, that holds businesses back." He also said he was proud to work with his colleagues in Congress and the Trump administration on the recent tax overhaul.

"I think we're making tremendous progress," said Smucker. "I think this president has the chance of being one of the great presidents in the history of our country. So, I'm proud to serve while he's there."

It's a definite change in tone.

Before Trump secured the Republican nomination, Smucker was asked by WITF (in April 2016) how he viewed disparaging comments Trump made about Mexicans.

Smucker recalled his Amish parents, and said they always treated everyone with respect.

"People come from a different set of experiences, and maybe [don't] always agree with you, but you still start with that level of respect for other individuals," he said. "The kind of language you just mentioned isn't the kind of language we should be using as public officials."

For his part, Chet Beiler thinks Trump is doing a great job. He gives the president credit for the tax overhaul, appointing conservative federal judges, and the robust economic picture.

Although, he says he wishes the president would stop "Tweeting recklessly."

"I think it's a little bit unfortunate, and unattractive, but I sure do appreciate his policies," said Beiler.

Two years ago, his criticism of Smucker as "too liberal" didn't stick. He thinks it will work this time because Pennsylvania's newly drawn congressional maps make the district more conservative. He also said there were more "low information voters" who came out to the polls in 2016 to support or oppose Trump.

"This time, we think the turnout will be lower," said Beiler. "And there will be voters who I think are a bit more, well committed, to constitutional fidelity and true conservative principals."

The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Jess King in the November general election.

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